Cleaning 1969 Citgo Coins

Boopotts

I picked up a handful of Aaron, Killebrew and Rose coins this past weekend, and for the most part they're in pretty good shape. The only problem is that the Rose has what looks like black tarnish on the back of the coin, while one of the Aaron's has a whiteish deposit/tarnish on the back. These coins look like they're copper, or bronze, or something like that. Basically, they look like big pennies.

Does anyone have any idea on what I should use to clean them up? Is there some kind of coin cleaner out there that will do the trick? I want to get rid of the tarnish on the coins, but I don't want to compromise the natural toning.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Guy

lawnmowerman

Guy, My mom gave me a 1955 DDO penny that had the same problem. I went over to the coin forum and they told me to soak it for a few days in olive oil. Then take it out rinse with water and pat dry. No rubbing! Olive oil has cleaning qualities but wont hurt the coin. In my case it worked great.

matt

WinPitcher

Boo

I would not use any type of coin dip or cleaner. It will destroy the natural finish on the coin. bronze, or copper and brass coins will look really un natural.

I would try the olive oil as that is what i used when trying to clean up some ancient coins. only problem is that olive oil will only clean up dirt on coins. Yet i would give it a try.

matt did the olive oil clean up tarnish? or did the 55 dd (double die) have a dirt problem?

Steve

lawnmowerman

Steve

Im not really sure if it was dirt or tarnish. It looked as if it was a greenish color. Maybe from being stored in a non-archival safe sleeve. Anyway, it cleaned up nicely.

matt

Boopotts

Thanks, Matt and Steve, for the sage counsel. Off to the olive oil they go. I'll report back when I have some results (good or bad).

BTW, Matt, I also accept marbles, seashells and bolts of silk in leiu of monetary payment for Ebay auctions. So whatever works best for you

lawnmowerman

<< <i>

BTW, Matt, I also accept marbles, seashells and bolts of silk in leiu of monetary payment for Ebay auctions. So whatever works best for you >>



Oh I guess you got my message. I forgot about that

Matt

A761506

I don't know much about cleaning coins, but I do know that if you soak a coin in coca cola it will look a lot shinier when you pull it out.

qualitycards

GUY - 1969 Citgo coins aren't made of metal
they do indeed have a metal type bronze'ish finish
but they are not solid metal.
If you broke 1 in half the inside is whiteish powder.
Maybe a plaster of paris mold that had a metal type
finish on it.
So proceed with caution trying to clean these
you may make them worse or destroy them altogether...jay

goose3

green stuff likely would have been PVC from being stored for an extended time in a plastic flip.

Acetone also works well and doesn't harm coins if there is something gunky on them. Just DO NOT work with acetone anywhere near a flame, i.e. cigarette.

WinPitcher

jay

this morning I was going to ask boo that exact question. are they solid or is it a finish. I now suggest to just leave them as they are.

Steve

mikeschmidt

If you fry up some paper-thin slices of garlic and then heat the olive oil in it before soaking the coins, it will give the finished product a cleaner looking coin with a spicy smell.

EVOO is best.